Metabolic syndrome: risk factors and molecular drug targets

Authors

  • Rishabh Chalotra Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology and Metabolic Disorders, Department of Pharmacology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8961-7984
  • Aniket Gupta Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology and Metabolic Disorders, Department of Pharmacology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India https://orcid.org/0009-0000-4843-4527
  • Thakur Gurjeet Singh Centre for Research Impact & Outcome, Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, 140401, Punjab, India https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2979-1590
  • Randhir Singh Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology and Metabolic Disorders, Department of Pharmacology, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India. E-mail: randhir.singh@cup.edu.in https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0183-0797

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17179/excli2025-8703

Keywords:

Metabolic syndrome, molecular targets, asprosin, gut microbiota, AMPK, insulin resistance, visceral adiposity

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MetS), is a non-communicable disorder caused by impaired management and storage of energy, primarily associated with unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles and stress. It is diagnosed when any three of the following conditions are observed, obesity (primary factor), hyperglycemia, low HDL, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypertension (ATP III guidelines). MetS affects approximately 14-34 % of the global population, highlighting significant public health concern. If left untreated, it leads to the development of other serious metabolic diseases like atherosclerosis, diabetes, PCOS, NAFLD, NASH, thyroid, cancer, sleep disturbance, osteoarthritis, anxiety, and depression. Despite ongoing research, no first-line drug currently exists for the comprehensive management of MetS. Its multifactorial nature often requires lifelong polytherapy with lifestyle intervention, raising concern over chronic drug use, drug-drug interactions, increasing morbidity and mortality. Therefore, there is a need highlighting the requirement of a single and targeted pharmacotherapy which offers a safer and more specific therapeutic approach. This review aims to identify and analyse ten key molecular targets in managing the pathogenesis of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). These targets can further pave the way for a targeted and safer approach in the treatment of MetS.

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Published

2025-08-29

How to Cite

Chalotra, R., Gupta, A., Singh, T. G., & Singh, R. (2025). Metabolic syndrome: risk factors and molecular drug targets. EXCLI Journal, 24, 1193–1223. https://doi.org/10.17179/excli2025-8703

Issue

Vol. 24 (2025)

Section

Review articles

Categories

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Copyright (c) 2025 Rishabh Chalotra, Aniket Gupta, Thakur Gurjeet Singh, Randhir Singh

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